English: German-French Graduate College Statistical Physics of Complex Systems in Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium

This PhD programme, offered by Leipzig University in collaboration with Université de Lorraine (Nancy, France), Coventry University (UK), and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Lviv), focuses on the statistical physics of complex systems in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium settings. The research topics span quantum phenomena, disorder effects on phase transitions, diluted ferromagnets, long-range correlated defects, spin glasses, random graphs and networks, long-range interacting systems, topological excitations, and the conformational statistics of macromolecules such as polymers and proteins. The programme also covers active polymeric systems, non-equilibrium relaxation processes, ice and water models, and quantum phase transitions. Students benefit from the combined expertise in analytical theory from Nancy and advanced computer simulation from Leipzig, with additional input from Coventry and Lviv. The programme is highly international, with joint supervision, extended research stays at partner institutions, and a joint seminar programme. Final degrees are awarded by both Leipzig and Nancy universities ('co-tutelle de thèse'). Funding includes a flat rate of 700 EUR per month for research stays at partner universities, no tuition fees, and support from Franco-German University, DAAD, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The training is flexible, problem-oriented, and includes workshops, conferences, symposia, literature seminars, summer/winter schools, and transferable skills courses. Applicants should have a Master's or 'Diplom' degree in natural sciences and be proficient in English. The programme offers a vibrant international research environment, opportunities for teaching, and strong support for international students, including orientation events and arrival assistance.